SOLUTION: In simplified form, (2)/(3-(12)/(5-2)) equals A) 1 B) 2/3 C) -2/3 D) -2 E) -1

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: In simplified form, (2)/(3-(12)/(5-2)) equals A) 1 B) 2/3 C) -2/3 D) -2 E) -1      Log On


   

Question 1123556: In simplified form, (2)/(3-(12)/(5-2)) equals
A) 1
B) 2/3
C) -2/3
D) -2
E) -1
Found 2 solutions by Boreal, math_helper:
Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2/(-9)/3
This is 2*3/-9
=-2/3
C

Answer by math_helper(2461) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Paren's first
Exponentiation next
Multiplication and Division from left to right
Addition and Subtraction from left to right

"PEMDAS" as a mnemonic
————————
+%282%29%2F%28%283-%2812%29%2F%285-2%29%29%29+
= +%282%29+%2F+%28%283-%2812%29%2F%283%29%29%29+
= +%282%29+%2F+%28%283+-+4%29%29+
= ++%282%29+%2F+%28-1%29+
= ++-2+
———
Without using the algebra.com curly braces:
(2)/(3-(12)/(5-2)) = (2) / (3-12/3) = 2 / (3-4) = 2 / -1 = -2
————
Tutor @Boreal did not group the parentheses properly. It is an easy mistake to make. If you look closely you will see the (12) can be written 12 and now it is more clear: (3-12/(5-2)) = 3-12/3 = 3-4 = -1. And 2/-1 = -2.